“By 2020 we will have three EVs in the lineup,” Stadler said. “We’ll start with the production version of the e-tron quattro concept car, which will have a range of up to 500km. By 2025, 25 percent of our lineup will be battery-driven models.”

The luxury saloon is expected to be powered by three electric motors and feature a large 95kWh battery that would give it a range of more than 300 miles.

According to Stefan Knirsch, Audi’s head of research and development, the A9 e-tron’s unique electric drive system will differentiate the vehicle from its rivals, like the Tesla Model S.

“Some rivals have gone for a synchronous motor with a high-power density but at relatively low revs,” Knirsch said. “There are also asynchronous motors that typically achieve similar power outputs but at much higher revs.

“From 2018, our electric cars will be equipped with asynchronous motors. We are convinced they offer higher efficiency levels than synchronous motors.”